A Texas congressman is calling on President Obama to award former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle – whose story became a national sensation following his autobiography “American Sniper” and subsequent blockbuster film—with a posthumous Medal of Honor.
On Thursday, Republican Rep. Roger Williams introduced a bill, which would authorize and ask the commander-in-chief to bestow the Navy SEAL with the nation’s top military honor.
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Williams said in a statement that Kyle “gave the ultimate sacrifice and served his nation with distinction and bravery while saving countless American lives,” adding, “There is no doubt that this true America hero is worthy of our nation’s highest military honor. “
Kyle, who was born and raised in Texas, served four tours in Iraq and is said to have the most confirmed kills in American military history. He was killed two years ago, alongside his friend Chad Littlefield, by Marine Eddie Ray Routh at a Texas shooting range. Routh, who had been suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, was sentenced to life behind bars earlier this week.
Williams said while the Medal of Honor “will not bring back a husband, father, son and a model Texan, we owe Chris Kyle and his family a great deal of gratitude for his relentless devotion to his country.” Nearly 3,500 Medals of Honors have been awarded since its creation in 1861. The film “American Sniper,” which shattered box office records, has stirred some controversy with critics arguing the movie glorifies war.Recommended
